I am alive, but it was a close call. Due to a kidney ordeal and an emergency c-section, I spent some time in the hospital. We also bought a new house. My scanner is missing in some yet to be opened box. When it rains, it pours I guess.

No new art, due to missing scanner. BUT I am selling at a new venue. My Etsy shop is still running. Now I also sell at Reddit Gifts! My first month on Reddit Gifts was very lucrative. I hope for a bright future.

As many of you know, I am an active member of Reddit. Every few months I participate in the Reddit Gift Exchanges. I’ve made it a habit to paint original watercolors for my random match ups. My most recent giftee is an avid home brewer and fan of craft beer. So I painted him this.

My freedom to express myself is precious. Today, I closed my Etsy shop and stayed off Twitter. I was a proud participant of the blackout to protest SOPA and PIPA. Other participants were Google, Reddit, Etsy, Pinterest, Imgur, WordPress, and Wikipedia. This is a big deal. The Internet is very important to my career. If these bills pass, I will no longer be able to show my work directly to my audience. If you’ve been following my blog for the past few years, you know I feel the Internet is the creative person’s best friend. Please take a moment to sign this petition. If you have a couple minutes, call your Senators. Our freedom of speech is at stake.

This snowy owl was painted for Reddit’s 2nd weekly art jam. He was a particular challenge since he has mostly white feathers. His defiant stare brought out my stubborn side and I am very happy with this rendition of his likeness.

Like most creative people, sometimes I struggle with artist’s block. Group assignments are a great way to fight this not so serious ailment. The following works took no longer than forty five minutes to create. They are in response to specific themes assigned daily by Reddit’s Sketch Daily Club.

Painting of my favorite word: Sparrow

Drawing of my favorite villain: Samara

They aren’t masterpieces, just fun little exercises. Sometimes, it’s nice to make art without serious intentions.